Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:21

What does Matthew 26:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:21 means

During the meal Jesus predicts that one of the twelve will betray him. This declaration shocks the circle and introduces the theme of treachery from within. The timing is poignant: at the table of fellowship, Jesus warns of personal betrayal, highlighting human sin contrasted with his faithful presence. The announcement is both a warning and a fulfilled prophecy, showing Jesus’ insight into hearts. It provokes emotional turmoil and sets in motion the disciples’ searching questions about loyalty and identity among them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and as they were eating, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and as they were eating, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while they were taking food, he said, Truly I say to you that one of you will be false to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and while they are eating, he said, `Verily I say to you, that one of you shall deliver me up.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whilst they were eating, he said: Amen I say to you that one of you is about to betray me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as they were eating he said, Verily I say to you, that one of you shall deliver me up.

Context

This verse follows the dinner’s opening and sparks immediate tension. It transitions the meal from a cultural observance to a prophetic and sacrificial moment. The prediction links to Judas plotting earlier and frames the following exchange where each disciple asks if he is the traitor. For readers, this is a key turning point: betrayal is not external only, but internal and intimate.

v.20Now when even was come, he was sitting at meat with the twelve disciples;

v.21This passage

v.22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 13:21

    When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

  • Psalms 55:12

    For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him:

  • Matthew 26:14

    Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

  • Luke 22:21

    But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

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